Vikings Open Conference Play with Buzzer Beater

Posted By: Jared Sleppy
December 6, 2021 @ 8:04 am
Sports

DICKINSON, N.D. (vcsuvikings.com) – Valley City State senior Taryn Dieterle sank an inbound jumpshot at the buzzer Saturday to lift the Vikings over Dickinson State in VCSU’s conference opener, 76-74.

The Blue Hawks erased a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 74 with seven seconds to go. A bad pass heading out of bounds was saved by Adriana Torres as she knocked the ball off a Dickinson State player to retain possession with 0.7 seconds to go. Allie Critchley then found a double-teamed Dieterle who sank the game-winner as the buzzer sounded.

“This was a great team win for us tonight. I could not be more proud of our grit down the stretch.” said head coach Vanessa Johnson. “We had so many players step up in big moments and really put our team above themselves.”

Valley City State improves to 4-6 overall and opens conference play with a 1-0 record. Dickinson State falls to 0-11 overall and 0-1 in the NSAA.

Four Vikings scored in double figures Saturday, led by Adriana Torres who tied her career-high with 24 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Allie Critchley chipped in a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds while also dishing out a team-high four assists. Taryn Dieterle finished with 15 points and Ashlyn Diemert scored 14.

Valley City State shot 39 percent from the field (25-65), 28 percent on 3-pointers (7-25) and 63 percent from the free throw line (19-30). Dickinson State shot 42 percent from the field (28-66), 29 percent on 3’s (9-31) and a perfect 100 percent on free throws (9-9).

Dickinson State held the rebounding advantage 44-41 but VCSU tallied 10 offensive rebounds for 12 second chance points. Dickinson State also totaled 18 turnovers in the game while VCSU recorded 17 turnovers.

Dickinson State’s Courtney Olson posted a game-high 26 points while shooting 10-for-14 from the field. Shali Sheridan chipped in 15 points off the bench and Ashlie Watts added 13 points Saturday.

UP NEXT: VCSU will host the University of Jamestown on Wednesday, Dec. 29. Tip is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Bubble.